A journalist who faces death or jail because of his work was among 120 human rights defenders who bravely spoke out at an event in Dublin.

The 8th Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders was formally opened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein yesterday.

Some 120 members taking part in the Dublin Platform have put their own lives at risk defending the rights of others.

Peruvian journalist Cesar Estrada Chuquilin has had two attempts made on his life in the last month.

"I will either be incarcerated or dead" said. "I don't feel safe and I live in hiding."

He has reported on several human rights violations linked to land disputes in Peru, specifically relating to mining. He said he had been receiving death threats since 2012, and was "physically threatened and beaten more than once by the police" and that he had suffered "judicial harassment".